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This, Not That!: Everyday Choices

Avoid This!
A candy bar at lunch

"If you just want to tide yourself over for an hour, fine," says Dave Grotto, R.D., director of nutrition education at Block Medical Center, in Evanston, Illinois. "But a candy bar can't substitute for real food." It will cause your blood sugar to spike, Grotto says, which will spark the overproduction of insulin, which will cause your blood sugar to plummet, which will leave you hungry and cranky—right where you started. Instead, grab an energy bar. We like LäraBar, with fruit and nuts providing the right mix of carbs, fats, and protein to keep blood glucose stable until your next meal.

Not That!
A break from working out

Go ahead, take a few days off. In fact, take the whole week. If you've been working out seriously—three or four times a week for 6 to 8 weeks—a break might be just what your deltoids ordered. "Then go back with a totally different workout," says Eddie Carrington, fitness director at Bally's Total Fitness. "It will shock your muscles, building them faster." Don't avoid exercise altogether, though: Some light cardio—biking, running—will keep your muscles engaged.

Avoid This!
Telling off the boss

Would you defecate on your résumé before submitting it to HR? Fact is, your clever analogies and cunning wit aside, your boss is your ticket to the future. He also has more corporate capital than you do. So even if you land a few verbal jabs, he'll win by technical knockout every time. Then there's this: "A lot of industries are small," says Tom Markert, author of You Can't Win a Fight with Your Boss. "Apply for a job at a competitor and your old boss might be the first person they call."

Not That!
Gossiping about the boss

Indulge. But be careful. "Unload to one person at a time, and only to someone willing to unload back," says Gil Schwartz, Men's Health's in-house career consultant. "Then you'll have as much on him as he does on you." Avoid complaining to people above your level, even if you think they agree with you—it's a sign of disloyalty. And if you're caught—well, don't get caught. "Bosses need to trust their people," says Schwartz. "Once that trust is broken, you're screwed."

MORE THINGS TO AVOIDMarking an e-mail "high priority." Just because Bill Gates dreamed up a button doesn't mean you should press it. Pick up the phone or walk over to his desk.

Finding exact change.
Picking through your pocket lint for 11 cents isn't helping the barista churn through the morning rush any faster. Stockpile your coinage at home. Trade it for cash once a year, then treat your girl to a dinner you otherwise couldn't afford.

Sending an angry e-mail.
Along with drunk-dialing your ex and drinking appletinis, this one fits in the category of things you will always, without fail, regret. Remember this rule of thumb: The more bridges you'll burn, the longer you should let that e-mail smolder in your drafts folder.